Zapotec Jalapeno Peppers on a white background.
Zapotec Jalapeno, both red and green peppers and slices, on blue tabletop.
Zapotec Jalapeno pile with red and green fruit.
Zapotec Jalapeno Peppers in various maturity stages.
Zapotec Jalapeno Peppers in multiple sizes, red and green fruit.
Zapotec Jalapeno Peppers on a white background.
Zapotec Jalapeno, both red and green peppers and slices, on blue tabletop.
Zapotec Jalapeno pile with red and green fruit.
Zapotec Jalapeno Peppers in various maturity stages.
Zapotec Jalapeno Peppers in multiple sizes, red and green fruit.

Hot Pepper Seeds,
Jalapeño Zapotec

4.520 Reviews#HPP155 · 10 seeds
Price
Regular price $3.00
Regular price $0.00 Sale price $3.00
Save $-3
/

FREE U.S. SHIPPING2-YEAR GUARANTEE

Description

(Capsicum annuum). Zapotec Jalapeño sings with flavor. This ancient heirloom from Oaxaca, Mexico, grows on compact 2- to 3-foot plants and produces deep green fruits that ripen to a carnival red with handsome tan crack lines. The peppers are especially prized for their smoky-sweet taste and heat that runs hotter than the usual jalapeño, making them a gourmet choice for fresh salsa, roasting, and everyday cooking. Old, beautiful, and deeply flavorful, this one carries the spirit of Oaxaca right into the pepper row.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Capsicum annuum
Life Cycle
Annual
Sun Requirement
8–12 hr.
Days to Germinate
7–10
Days to Maturity
75–85
Planting Depth
¼ in.
Plant Spacing
14–18 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–95°F
Frost Hardy
No

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Begin seeds indoors about 8-12 weeks before your area’s last anticipated frost. Zapotec Jalapeños require a long, warm growing season to reach maturity. Transplant outdoors only after the last frost. For warmer climates, it’s also possible to transplant or direct sow outdoors in late spring. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

When sowing indoors, plant seeds approximately 1/4 inch deep in a quality seed-starting mix, maintaining a soil temperature of around 80-85 F for optimal germination. You can use a heat mat to help keep the soil warm. Transplant seedlings once they are 6-8 inches tall and have at least two sets of true leaves, hardening them off gradually over a week. Place transplants 14-18 inches apart.

How to Grow

Water the plants deeply and regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of disease. Fertilize at the time of transplanting, and once flowers appear, switch to a phosphorus-rich fertilizer to support fruit development. As the peppers grow, support the branches with stakes or cages to prevent them from breaking under the weight of the fruit.

How to Save Seeds

  • Peppers are mainly self-pollinating, but bees occasionally work pepper flowers as well.
  • To be absolutely sure that you will not have any crossing, different varieties should be isolated by at least 500 feet.
  • To save seed, allow the fruit to mature fully; then simply remove seeds.
  • It is a good idea to wear gloves when working with very hot peppers, and to consider wearing a mask when working with a large quantity of dried seeds.
  • Let seeds dry for a week before storing them in a jar.
  • Pepper seeds will remain viable for up to 5 years.

FAQ

How hot is the Zapotec jalapeño?

Zapotec is considered hot for a jalapeño, running above the usual jalapeño range, and it brings a smoky sweet flavor along with that heat. Taste a small piece before you commit a batch of salsa if you are cooking for people who want only mild heat.

Can Zapotec jalapeño peppers grow in containers?

Yes, they grow well in containers as long as the pot is at least 12 inches deep and has good drainage.

How do I know when to harvest Zapotec jalapeño peppers?

Harvest when pods are firm and 1-2 inches long; pick them green for classic jalapeno use, or leave them on the plant until they ripen to carnival red with tan crack lines for the fullest smoky-sweet flavor and heat. They typically reach maturity in 75-85 days.

Browse our full range of pepper seeds.

Customer reviews

4.5 / 5 20 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Smoky, hot flavor: Hotter than a standard jalapeño, with a smoky, rich taste when red.

  • Prolific plants: Loaded with pods and keeps producing through heat into fall.

  • Sturdy, easy plants: Easy to grow and healthy, even in drought and 100-degree heat.

  • A keeper: Many call it their best jalapeño and plan to grow it every year.

  • Heads up: Pods can run small; a few found them milder than expected.

More to grow!

See all Pepper Seeds